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Monday, 12 August 2013

4Q Interview with Mark Andrew Young- Visual Artist

4Q Interview with Mark Andrew Young,
visual artist, owner of Manchu Mark Young Designs, father of Damien and partner
with Nathalie Brun. Mark has created works of art in creative CD covers and
promotional material for a varied group of artists such as Roland Gauvin,
Dominique Dupuis, John Jerome, 1755, to name a few. He has created distinctive
posters for numerous cultural events. His work can be seen at www.manchu.ca

4Q: It’s always
interesting how we choose our careers. Your grandfather Ernest was an artist
and professional sign painter, perhaps his creative genes have been passed on
to you. What made you want to be a graphic artist?

MAY: There are things
in life that just happen. When I was a boy, I would watch my grandfather paint,
and I was too young to realise I would follow in his footsteps.

Even though I started drawing on the floor as a baby, who
would have guessed I would be doing this for a living.

I can proudly say his love for drawing was passed down to
me, and lives on, just in a different time.

He would use lead-based ’’one-shot paint’’ on mostly vehicles
and board. I regret not learning that lost art. Now the vinyl decals and modern
printing technics have become mainstream.

It’s kind of like discovering the electric guitar after
years of acoustic play; you rock with it, but have to remember the roots. There
was a lot more honour then. Everything was made by hand with no room for error.
Nowadays, graphic design is simply a technique that facilitates communication
in various mediums. But it’s still very much, and more than ever a cool way to get
your point across whether it is by means of an art exhibit, a poster, a comic
strip, anything you want really.

I had travelled a bit, did various jobs here and there, but
when I came to peace with myself, it just happened naturally.

4Q: Some of my
favourite posters you have done is both the 2012 Franco fete and the same for
2013. Another favourite is the new one for 2013 AcadieRock which is a huge
event coming to Moncton in August. The poster was featured in a Times
Transcript article. How does a design like this begin? Where do your ideas come
from?

MAY: It is a
designer’s responsibility to visually deliver the message or feeling of the
subject, that being an event, identity branding or album artwork etc….Like any
industry, it is very complex and detailed, but research is always an integral
part of the process. You want to make sure your ideas are current and have not
been portrayed in a similar way. Not to say that styles and eras are not a big
influence in my work, but the key is to make it your own.

Inspiration often comes from Music, daydreaming, and
ultimately vision. It comes down to letting your imagination explode into the
moment. And like anything, working it, re-thinking it, polishing to your’s and
client’s satisfaction. But like a fine painting, your canvas is never finished.
One could work on an image for years….but at a point and time you have to say;
Yes, love it, next! Stay fresh and keep creating.

4Q: Tell us a
pleasant memory or anecdote from your childhood.

MAY: I personally
made my childhood complicated when in fact it was the simplest and easiest
thing ever!

I am blessed as you know of being very spoiled and
constantly surrounded by love.

I remember a lot of camping, street hockey, hanging out in
trees, cousins in full camo (with war-paint) in the marshes of what is now Wheeler
Boulevard.

There are many great memories. I can say that my Guardian Angels
worked over-time watching over me as I rebelled against a dead era, and
survived thanks to family and friends.

And some stories are better set around a campfire.

4Q: One of the
major projects you’ve undertaken is the huge mural in the new Arts &
Cultural Centre for the City of Dieppe. You did a fantastic job with this and
must be quite proud to have your work displayed publicly for everyone to see.
How did this contract come about and how did you ever get your ideas on the
wall in such a large scale?

MAY:I was asked
to do it. To be given an opportunity like that was overwhelming as first, but I
approached it the same way I would a blank piece of paper; with full
concentration and ultimate honesty. The creative process is like an all-inclusive
adventure; with sleepless nights, constant daydreaming and finally discovering
your confidence.

The project was a collaboration of 8 or 9 members; Professional
artists & technicians, architects, projectionists, painters, general
contractors. My design couldn’t have taken on this expanse without their
combined skills. I’m not the best at driving a scissor-lift. :)

You really have to think WAY out of the box, get as far as possible out of the that
so-called ’box’’. Keep it fresh and stay true to yourself.

Thank you
Mark for taking the time to share your insight with us. Please visit Mark’s web site. www.manchu.ca

Stay in touch for the upcoming 4Q
Interview when we will feature Yves
Chiasson, former founder and lead guitarist of the dynamic Acadian rock
group Zero Degrees Celsius. He records and performs as Luther Chase with a
cache of catchy tunes. His website is myspace.com/lutherchase.

2 comments:

Another excellent interview Alan. I'm so proud of my nephews, and Mark is no exception. His art has always been a part of him, and I'm glad to see him use it as his chosen career. I look forward to seeing his work in the new cultural centre in Dieppe, and was pleased to discover this here in your blog and awesome 4Q interview.

Loved the interview, Allan! As a child, I too, watched my father painting. And I was always fascinated by his work. To see my son Mark successfully use these talents today, brings me the Greatest pleasure! . Much Success Mark! Proud Mama x

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SHORTS Vol.2

Five engaging short stories that will keep you wanting more by this author. *Four Boxes of Memories – Lloyd Minister moves to a nursing home with his most important possessions and he can’t take everything with him. *Reaching the Pinnacle - Grandfather and granddaughter hike the highest mountain in their province. Around the campfire, the young lady has something important to tell her Gramps. *Pioneers in a Hurry - A fond recollection of three grown men acting like boys on an all-night camping trip. Being mischievous comes naturally. *Near Dead - Detective Jo Naylor finds herself in the dark. She’s not alone. Someone wants her dead. *Six Jutlands and a Conestoga - The Verhoeven family have everything they own in a wagon, children and all. The mysterious west beckons. Available at Amazon. Please click on the book cover.

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Letting Go - a son deals with his deceased father's "boxes of memories". One Bedroom Ark - Noah Coyne owns a convenience story, the last customer of the night will change his life. Two Boys, One Wagon and a Secret - In the 50's, a young boy's pride was a red wagon. What do they discover one day when they are out filling it up with returnables? No Dying Today - Det. Jo Naylor and her partner search for the man that tried to kill her last night. The Food Bank - some people have too much food, others not enough.Available at Amazon. Please CLICK on the book cover.

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About Me

My mother taught me to read, to like books, when I was very young. She also taught me how to write. I grew up in the country, even went to a one-room school which was right across the road from our house. She was the teacher. The days I missed were few. I enjoy reading and some of my favorite authors are Bryce Courtenay, Beth Powning, Dennis LeHane, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Cara Brookins, Susan Toy, Jason Lawson, Lockie Young, Chuck Bowie, Harlan Coben, Leon Uris and Herman Wouk.Writing is so much fun and even though I started later in life, I am so happy to realize my dream. Having this blog so I can share other people's work gives me great pleasure.

I've had many adventures in my life. I've travelled throughout North America, gone skydiving, rock climbing, wilderness camping. I craft stained glass and I enjoy woodworking. I'm blessed with many good friends. I live in the seaside community of Cocagne, New Brunswick, Canada. My wife's name is Gloria. My son's name is Adam and my stepsons' names are Christopher (Mireille) and Mark (Nathalie) Young. My grandchildren are Matthieu, Natasha and Damien. I love them all.Thank you for visiting. I hope you enjoy my blog. You can reach me by leaving a comment and/or your email address below and I'll respond.

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